October 01, 2024
Dear Ms. Buhay,
Good day!
This is to acknowledge receipt of your eFOI request under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Executive Branch. You are requesting the data of the following:
1. Which specific, appropriate branch or office within the DOST should I approach and contact regarding forensic science and the planning and design of forensic science facilities?
2. Is it possible to conduct an interview with experts from the architecture department or any relevant department within your esteemed organization who can provide insights and input on my study regarding forensic science itself and its facility design?3. What current guidelines, recommendations, or requirements does the DOST consider essential for integrating various scientific disciplines into the design and construction of forensic science facilities?
4. Are there any current or future plans within the DOST related to the development of support of forensic science and its facilities?
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a sectoral council under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is mandated to: (1) formulate policies, plans, programs, projects, and strategies for health S&T development; (2) program and allocate government and external funds for research and development (R&D); (3) monitor R&D projects; and (4) generate external funds.
With regards to your inquiries, please see the following information below:
1. Which specific, appropriate branch or office within the DOST should I approach and contact regarding forensic science and the planning and design of forensic science facilities?
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may be the more appropriate agency for architectural and construction-related inquiries. They have primary oversight for infrastructure projects, such as the planned/ongoing construction of the regional forensics facility in Cordillera, Digital Forensic Centre in Western Visayas, and the mega forensic laboratory building in Taguig City.
2. Is it possible to conduct an interview with experts from the architecture department or any relevant department within your esteemed organization who can provide insights and input on my study regarding forensic science itself and its facility design?
Along with the DPWH, the following agencies/persons may be able to provide relevant insights, particularly the technical specifications and operational requirements of a forensic science facility:
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Ms. Gayvelline Calacal - Researcher, DNA Analysis Laboratory-Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman (UP NSRI-DAL)
- Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria - Researcher and Head, DNA Analysis Laboratory-Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman (UP NSRI-DAL)
- Dr. Raquel Fortun - Forensic Pathologist, University of the Philippines Manila
- Dr. Maria Cecilia Lim - Forensic Pathologist, University of the Philippines Manila
3. What current guidelines, recommendations, or requirements does the DOST consider essential for integrating various scientific disciplines into the design and construction of forensic science facilities?
Multi-disciplinary and inter-agency cooperation may be the most necessary when planning for the construction of a forensic science facility. This approach brings together experts from various fields/disciplines in order to ensure that the facility meets the intricate requirements of its intended functions. This approach also enables us to identify and address potential challenges early in the planning process, ensuring that the facility is not only functional but also adaptable to future advancements.
4. Are there any current or future plans within the DOST related to the development of support of forensic science and its facilities?
Forensic research is one of the areas that are of priority under DOST's Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) 2022-2028. Hence, the DOST, through its attached agencies, provides support for science, technology and innovation efforts in the country such as provision of funding for forensics-related R&D and capacity building. Currently, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), one of the three sectoral councils of the DOST, supports a long-term, big ticket R&D program (Filipino Genomes Research Program) aimed at establishing a Filipino-specific whole genome reference for forensic, ethnicity and other biological applications. The program is envisioned to be instrumental in the increase of the scientific workforce, the expansion of research partnerships, capabilities and the appreciation for human genomics/forensics research across the country.
Kindly accomplish the PCHRD FOI Request Feedback Form at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMmMunhzF0c-LOOzzfZn3agWBcBbAAdYTqZAHJ4xcQ-TFyyg/viewform
Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact us at info@pchrd.dost.gov.ph with ticket number #PCHRD-994651683846.
Thank you,
Regards,
Alec Benjamin M. Gonzales
DOST-PCHRD FOI Receiving Officer
